Celebrate our biosecurity

TFGA was excited to be at the Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards last week! As a part of the judging panel, TFGA had the privilege of acknowledging outstanding contributions to biosecurity in our state. Congrats to winners Robyn Lewis and Nic Hansen for their exceptional dedication.

Tasmania hosted its first-ever Biosecurity Awards for Community and Industry at Parliament House on the 6 December. The prestigious ceremony acknowledges the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations committed to safeguarding the island's unique ecosystems from the threats posed by invasive pests, weeds, and diseases.

The awards committee, responsible for the selection process, was comprised of a diverse panel of experts including representatives from Biosecurity Tasmania and key industry partners who collaborated to shape the awards. Their collective expertise ensures a comprehensive evaluation of nominees, reflecting the broad spectrum of initiatives that contribute to the state's biosecurity resilience.

Preceding the event has been the significant announcement from Minister Jo Palmer who revealed that Tasmania will not impose a new state-level biosecurity levy. This decision underscores the government's commitment to supporting biosecurity efforts without imposing additional financial burdens on the primary production industry. Minister Palmer's announcement is likely to be met with appreciation from stakeholders across the board.

As part of a joint initiative between the TFGA and the Tasmanian Government, the Support of Enhanced Biosecurity Project, the TFGA is seeking expressions of interest from members who would like to participate in a free 6-month trial of the innovative biosecurity app., “Onside”.

Onside presents a user-friendly platform for the streamlined registration of farm visitors, contractors, and workers. Beyond its intuitive interface, the app. plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless traceability—an indispensable aspect of biosecurity management.

The app's implementation aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of the industry, providing a digital solution that not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures stringent compliance with biosecurity protocols.

The collaborative spirit between the TFGA and the Tasmanian Government reflects a proactive approach to biosecurity management. Through the utilization of the Onside app., stakeholders are united in their mission to protect Tasmania against potential threats while championing responsible agricultural practices.

While celebrating the inaugural Tasmania Biosecurity Awards, it's noteworthy that the TFGA will also be represented at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at the Forthside Field Day and Trade Display on Monday, December 11th. This additional engagement underlines the commitment of the TFGA to actively participate in events that promote biosecurity awareness and sustainable agricultural practices across Tasmania.

If you are a farmer and are interested in adopting best practice technology please contact our office or email biosecurity@tfga.com.au